name of the "Horsefoot Snipe," from the fact that it subsists during a
portion of the summer almost entirely on the spawn and eggs of the great
"king crab," called by the common people the "horsefoot." This spawn may
often be seen by bushels in the hollows and eddies on the coast.
During the breeding season these birds retire to high northern latitudes,
so that their mode of nidification was long a mystery, until Mr. Hewitson,
who made diligent search for the Turnstone's nest on the coast of Norway,
was at last successful. "We had," he writes, "visited numerous islands
with little encouragement, and were about to land upon a flat rock,
bare, except where here and there grew tufts of grass or stunted juniper
clinging to its surface, when our attention was attracted by the singular
cry of a Turnstone, which in its eager watch had seen our approach and
perched itself upon an eminence of the rock, assuring us by its querulous
oft-repeated note and anxious motions that its nest was there. We remained
in the boat a short time, until we had watched it behind a tuft of grass,
near which, after a minute search, we succeeded in finding the nest, in
a situation in which I should never have suspected to meet with a bird
of this sort breeding; it was placed against the ledge of the rock, and
consisted of nothing more than the drooping leaves of the juniper-bush,
under a creeping branch of which, the eggs, four in number, were snugly
concealed and admirably sheltered from the many storms by which these
bleak and exposed rocks are visited, allowing just sufficient room for the
bird to cover them. We afterwards found more nests with little difficulty.
All the nests contained four eggs each. The time of breeding is about the
middle of June. The eggs measure one inch and two lines in breadth, and
are of an olive-green colour, spotted and streaked with ash-blue and two
shades of reddish brown."
The parents are much attached to their offspring. The habits of the latter
resemble those of young Plovers. Audubon mentions an instance in which one
of these birds was reared by a lady, who fed it on boiled rice and bread
soaked in milk.
THE PIED OYSTER-CATCHER, OR SEA PIE.
The PIED OYSTER-CATCHER, or SEA PIE (_Hæmatopus ostralegus_), possesses
a compact body, large head, long straight beak, which is much compressed
and of conical form; moderately high, powerful feet, furnished with short
broad toes connected by a skin; medium-sized and pointed wings, in which
the first quill is the longest; and a short straight tail, composed of
twelve feathers. The plumage on the upper portions of the body is of a
glossy black; the neck, crop, and rump, a patch under the eye and the
belly are white; the primary quills and tail-feathers black, with white
roots. The eyes are bright blood-red, edged with orange. The broad rings
that surrounds the eyes and the beak are vermilion, the latter tipped with
a lighter shade; the feet are dark flesh-red. The length of the male is
sixteen inches; its breadth across the wings thirty-one inches and a half;
the wing measures nine inches and a half, and the tail fully four inches.
The female is smaller than her mate, and has less black upon her breast.
During the winter this species has a crescent-shaped white patch upon the
throat.
The Pied Oyster-catchers are met with along almost the entire coast of the
Old and New Worlds (being especially numerous on the more rocky portions).
They are also found in Greenland and on the islands of the Northern and
Arctic Oceans. During the winter they appear in Southern Europe, but are
by no means common. The migrations of these birds vary considerably with
the climate of their native haunts; such as inhabit shores warmed by the
Gulf Stream remaining in the same localities from one year to another;
whilst in those latitudes where the seas are covered with ice during
the cold season, they are compelled to go south in order to obtain the
requisite supply of food. During the course of these enforced wanderings
the mainland is rarely traversed, the fugitive keeping as near as possible
to the shore, or, when necessary, crossing even large tracts of water
without any inconvenience. Occupants of the shores of the eastern and
northern seas seek their winter quarters principally in France and the
north of Spain, whilst those occupying the coast of China appear regularly
in Southern India. In Great Britain the Pied Oyster-catchers are permanent
residents, and never extend their flight to any great distance, but after
the breeding season assemble in flocks, and in winter betake themselves
to estuaries and promontories. In April these flocks disperse in pairs,
and rove about the sandy beach in small parties. While searching for
food they usually keep apart from other birds, but are occasionally seen
in company with the Curlew, Turnstone, and Redshank. At high-water they
retire to rocky headlands or similar places of safety, where they remain
until the turn of the tide has left their hunting-grounds again exposed.
While reposing, according to Macgillivray, the Sea Pies stand with their
legs quite straight, or on one leg only, the other being drawn up; the
body is held in a horizontal position; the neck retracted; the head either
directed forward or with the bill buried among the feathers of the back.
In this attitude they present a very curious appearance when seen in a
high wind, as each bird directs its breast towards the quarter from which
it blows. On a sandy beach they often follow each other in long lines,
or crouch to the ground. Their flight is strong and steady, performed
by regular beats of the extended wings, with the neck drawn in, and the
feet directed backwards. When going to sleep they rest on one leg only.
Over the surface of the sandy shore they run with great rapidity, and
wade with ease in muddy places, their short, flat-soled feet being well
adapted for that purpose. During the period of incubation the Sea Pies
utter a great variety of pleasing notes, whilst at other times their
cry is not particularly agreeable. Of all the many feathered occupants
of our shores, these birds are by far the most restless and pugnacious,
though apparently without malice. Towards all their larger companions
they exhibit an incessant desire to resent intrusion, and at once dart
upon a bird of prey with loud cries, and drive the unwelcome visitor
away from the spot. Should no foreign foe appear, and thus afford them
an opportunity for venting their exuberant spirits, the males will harry
and annoy each other until their fury rising, the strife that apparently
began in sport terminates in a real battle, during which the antagonists
strike each other most mercilessly with their wings and beak. Towards men
they exhibit extreme shyness, and, except during the breeding season,
scarcely permit his approach. In this particular, however, they show much
intelligence, and readily distinguish the shepherd or fishermen from their
enemy the sportsman. "After the breeding season," says Macgillivray,
"the Sea Pies, especially plentiful in the Scottish Isles, form flocks
that are frequently very numerous, being composed of from twenty to one
hundred individuals or more. At this period they are met with chiefly on
the low rocky shores, or at the mouths of rivers, where at low water they
obtain their food, which consists of limpets, barnacles, small bivalve
shells swallowed entire, young crabs, and other marine animals. Although
frequently seen on extensive low sands, they seem rather to betake
themselves thither for security than for the purpose of looking for food.
On low, pebbly, muddy, or sandy shores they always prefer the edge of the
water, in which they wade, although they search the exposed parts. Limpets
and barnacles form their chief food; but, although they have been said
to eat oysters and large bivalve mollusca, I have not found such animals
in their stomach. The bivalve shells found in their gizzard or œsophagus
are generally, when of small size, either entire or merely crushed, but
when large, are deprived in a greater or less degree of their testaceous
envelopes. Along with their food they swallow particles of gravel,
frequently of considerable size. I have found some a quarter of an inch in
diameter."
[Illustration: THE PIED OYSTER-CATCHER, OR SEA PIE (_Hæmatopus
ostralegus_).]
Bivalve shells, when closed, are usually opened by these birds by striking
them at the hinge, while cockles are obtained by holding the shell with
the foot and wrenching with the bill as with a crowbar. When the shores
are flat and the surface thus remains covered with a shallow stratum of
water, after the tide has ebbed, the Oyster-catchers find their prey
more readily, as the shells are then partially opened, and they can
easily insert their wedge-shaped bill and force them asunder; but where
the sand soon dries and there are no rocks from which the limpet can be
obtained, they follow the line of the advancing and retreating waves.
Such of these birds as are stationary during all seasons commence the
business of incubation as early as the middle of April, while such as
migrate do not lay until somewhat later in the spring; at this season,
after the usual rivalry between the males, the pairs keep apart from
each other, but frequently remain in the immediate vicinity of some of
their weaker feathered associates, with whom they live in the utmost
harmony. The nest of the Sea Pie is a mere hollow in the shore, and is
usually situated amongst the tangled weed thrown above high water mark,
or on grassy spots in the immediate vicinity of the sea. The eggs, two
or three in number, are large and of an oval form with a pale brownish
shell, spotted, streaked, and very variously marked with light violet,
deep greyish brown and greyish black. The female, who alone broods, does
not sit during the noonday hours, and hatches her little family in about
three weeks. The young at first conceal themselves if alarmed, but even at
a very early period can run, swim, and dive with considerable facility.
Whilst in charge of their offspring, the parents exhibit unusual courage
and foresight, and should the mother perish, the father at once undertakes
all her duties. The flesh of the Sea Pie is unpalatable, but by many the
eggs are much esteemed. Gadamer states that a pair of Oyster-catchers
reared by him from the nest became so tame that they knew his voice and
greeted his appearance with loud cries. These birds were allowed to run
freely about the poultry-yard, and rendered excellent service to its more
timid occupants by warning the Fowls of the approach of a Hawk, or any
other feathered marauder.
* * * * *
The SNIPES (_Limicolæ_) form a second division of the Stilt-walkers, which
embraces several minor groups, all characterised by having the hinder part
of the body of cylindrical form, a moderately long neck, a medium-sized
and much-arched head, and a long slender beak; the latter is curved or
straight throughout its length, with the sides compressed and grooved to
the tip, which is obtuse and in some instances flexible, of a much softer
texture than in most birds, and frequently covered with a highly sensitive
membrane. The long slender tarsi are usually more or less high; the toes
generally long, the lateral ones sometimes united to the middle toe by a
membrane; the hind toe short, resting on the ground, or entirely wanting;
the long pointed wing is more or less sickle-shaped; and the short tail
composed of from twelve to twenty-six feathers. The plumage varies
considerably in thickness and coloration, both in the various groups and
at different seasons of the year; the sexes are, however, very similar
to each other. The members of this section usually inhabit marshy land,
the borders of swampy lakes, and the sea-coast. In the breeding season
they live in pairs, but congregate in large flocks during the autumn or
winter, and are more or less migratory. Fruits, worms, slugs, and aquatic
mollusca, afford them their principal means of existence; some few also
eat seeds. Both sexes assist in the process of incubation, and generally
construct a slight nest upon the ground. The eggs are pear-shaped and from
two to four in number.
* * * * *
The TRUE SNIPES (_Scolopaces_) are characterised by their powerful but
comparatively short body, moderately long neck, which is compressed at
its sides, a very high-browed head, and large, prominent eyes. The long
slender beak is straight on the side and rather turned down near the tip,
which is obtuse and bent over that of the lower mandible; the extremity of
the bill is thickened, soft, and very tender at its extremity, so that
this part, which is richly supplied with nerves, serves as a delicate
organ of touch, and is used for searching in the soft ground for the
insects and worms that constitute the food of these birds. The more or
less long tarsi are covered in front with narrow transverse scales, the
anterior toes are long, that in the middle being of unusual length, the
hinder toe is short, elevated, and reaches to the ground, the wings are
broad, but comparatively short, and the short broad tail, composed of from
twelve to twenty-six feathers, is rounded at its extremity. The plumage of
this group, which is soft and thick, varies in its coloration according to
the situations occupied by its possessor.
The Snipes must be regarded as natives of the north and temperate portions
of the earth, although they also visit its warmest latitudes. Many species
frequent swampy woods, but for the most part they seek their food in
marshes and morasses, remaining concealed during the day and searching
for their food principally early in the morning or during the evening
hours. Although by no means of social disposition, they are occasionally
seen congregated together in considerable numbers; these assemblages
are, however, owing apparently to the attraction of a suitable locality,
as each bird lives, as it were, for itself and pays but little heed to
its companions. Early in spring, the males exhibit a very pugnacious
disposition, and have many fierce encounters with their rivals before
obtaining a mate. The movements of the Snipes, both on the ground and in
the air and water, are extremely active and easy, and the facility with
which they seize and extract their insect prey from the mud and ooze, must
be regarded as truly astonishing. Their voice is usually monotonous and
harsh, but during the period of incubation the male indulges in a variety
of gesticulations and peculiar notes. When alarmed, these birds generally
lie close to the ground or among the herbage, or suddenly starting on wing
escape by a flight which is short, elevated, rapid, and irregular. The
four moderate-sized and pear-shaped eggs have a dirty yellow or greenish
shell spotted with brown, and are deposited in a slight hole in the
ground. The young, when they are hatched, are clad in a downy chequered
garb of black and brown, and quit the nest on the day they escape from the
shell. The Snipes are migratory in their habits and generally breed in
high northern latitudes, but some are indigenous in this country, in all
parts of which they rear their young, being especially numerous towards
the north of Britain. Their flesh is much esteemed.
THE WOODCOCK.
The WOODCOCK (_Scolopax rusticola_) possesses a comparatively strong beak,
rounded at the tip, and short stout feet with a very small claw upon the
hind toe. The wing is blunt, and the tail composed of twelve feathers.
Upon the forehead the plumage is grey, the sides of the head and nape are
striped brown and reddish yellow; the rest of the upper portions of the
body are spotted with various shades of brown, grey, and black. The large
eye is brown, and the beak and foot horn-grey. This species is twelve
inches long and twenty-two broad; the wing measures three, and the tail
three inches and a half.
The Woodcock is met with throughout the whole of Europe, with the
exception of its most northern islands, and throughout Northern and
Central Asia. It also visits North-western Africa and India, as far south
as Madras, and, according to "Mountaineer," breeds immediately beneath the
snow line of the Himalayas. In Sweden, Great Britain, and the northern
part of Germany, some frequently remain throughout the entire year, while
those occupying colder latitudes invariably wander south at the approach
of autumn. By far the greater number, however, of the birds that appear in
England and Scotland are merely winter residents, arriving about October,
and leaving for more northern regions in March. Mr. Selby, who resided
near the eastern coast of Northumberland, and thus had ample opportunities
for observing the arrival of flocks of Woodcocks, says:--"I have found
that they always come over in the greatest abundance in hazy weather with
little wind, and that blowing from the north-east; and it is probable
that they then find the upper region of the atmosphere in which they fly
freer from the counter currents of air, than in more open weather. After
a night of this description, I have frequently met with great numbers
upon the edges of plantations, in hedges, and even in turnip-fields, and
enjoyed excellent sport for the day; but, on seeking for a renewal of
success, I have not found a single bird, the whole flight having proceeded
on their course during the intervening night. It is during this time that
Woodcocks, like most migratory birds, perform their journeys; and it seems
probable that those which halt upon the eastern coast of Scotland, and
the northern counties of England have completed their task from shore to
shore, between sunset and sunrise, as they appear but little fatigued on
their arrival, provided the weather has been calm. The distance of the
coasts of Norway and Sweden, from whence these visitors are supposed to
come, offers no objection to this supposition, as a continued flight of
eight or ten hours, even at a rate inferior to what I conceive they are
capable of accomplishing, would suffice for the transit. "A respectable
person who lived upon the coast," continues the same observer, "and who,
being a keen pursuer of wild fowl, was in the habit of frequenting the
sea-shore at an early hour in the morning, assured me that he had more
than once noticed the arrival of a flight of Woodcocks coming from the
north-east just at day-dawn. His notice was first attracted by a peculiar
sound in the air above his head; this, upon attending to it, he found
proceeded from birds descending in an almost perpendicular direction
which, upon approaching the shore, separated and flew toward the interior;
these he pursued and shot, and they proved to be, as he had surmised,
Woodcocks." The first flocks of these birds that arrive upon our coast,
according to Yarrell, consist for the most part of females which only
remain for a few days and then journey further south, while the later
flocks, some of which remain to breed, are principally composed of male
birds. So numerously are Woodcocks met with in Greece at some seasons,
that we are told, three Englishmen on a sporting tour in the Peloponnesus
shot no less than 500 brace in the course of three days; during the actual
winter they are far less common in that country, and by February have
generally commenced leaving Southern Europe and North-western Asia for
Morocco, or the regions around the Altai Mountains. Taking one year with
another in Europe, March may be regarded as the month in which these birds
commence their migrations, the exact date for setting forth depending,
according to the testimony of an observer who studied their habits for
seventeen years, not as is usually supposed on the actual state of the
weather, but on signs of approaching cold, to which the keen instinct
of these birds renders them peculiarly susceptible. Like many of their
feathered brethren, they usually travel against the wind, and do not
continue their journey on dark or very windy nights: if thus compelled
to descend, they prefer seeking shelter in some wood or forest, but if
traversing an open country, often take refuge in a well-planted garden or
hedge-row. During the course of their flight, however, they keep as much
as possible over wooded localities, and unless alarmed, do not rise to
any great height in the air, through which they sweep rapidly, ascending,
descending, or making their way through the branches of the forest with
equal ease and dexterity. When endeavouring to attract the attention of
their females, the motions of these birds are entirely different; at
such times the plumage is inflated, and the aspirants for admiration fly
heavily along with slowly flapping wings, in a manner resembling that of
the Owl. Should two rival males encounter each other when thus engaged,
they at once commence hostilities, and after a merciless attack with beak
and wings, often end by falling together into the trees beneath them.
The strangest circumstance connected with these exhibitions of jealousy
is, that they occur amongst the flocks during the migratory season, and
not, as is generally the case, only at the period of incubation. Upon the
ground the Woodcocks are less expert in their movements; they walk slowly,
with a somewhat tripping step, and never venture any distance on foot.
In their native woods they usually remain comparatively quiet during the
day, and only exhibit their full activity and briskness towards evening.
In disposition they are extremely shy, and invariably prefer shady and
retired situations, only penetrated by a kind of twilight. If chance
should lead them across an open space during the day, they generally
crouch flat on the ground, and, owing to the sombre hue of their feathers,
are not easily detected; in this position they will often remain until
almost trodden upon, when they suddenly rise and endeavour to elude the
sportsman by darting through the trees and bushes, always taking care to
keep well on the side opposite to the enemy. In their intercourse with
each other, Woodcocks are by no means social, every individual going
its own way without any reference to its companions. In their demeanour
towards men, and birds of a different species, they usually exhibit the
utmost timidity. Instances, however, are recorded of their having been
reared from the nest, and rendered so tame that they would come at their
owner's call, and greet his approach with every indication of delight. The
call of the male consists of a sort of humming note, while the female only
utters a gentle piping cry. The food of these birds consists of worms,
larvæ, and insects, which are sought for by means of the long bill beneath
dry leaves and cattle droppings, or are obtained by probing the surface of
moist and marshy localities.
[Illustration: THE WOODCOCK (_Scolopax rusticola_).]